Skellig (#1)

To celebrate 15 year of this internationally successful, multi-award-winning novel, a beautiful clothbound edition, with newly commissioned artwork, and special features: - essays by David Almond on the conception and writing of Skellig - exclusive first UK publication of the short story that links Skellig with Mina - the poetry of Skellig - two complete William Blake poems - Skellig: a life - how the novel has transcended the page to become an opera and a film.

When a move to a new house coincides with his baby sister's illness, Michael's world seems suddenly lonely and uncertain. Then he stumbles into the old, ramshackle garage, and finds something magical. A strange creature - part owl, part angel, a being who needs Michael's help if he is to survive. With his new friend Mina, Michael nourishes Skellig back to health, while his baby sister languishes in the hospital. But Skellig is far more than he at first appears, and as he helps Michael breathe life into his tiny sister, Michael's world changes for ever . . .

Product Information

The beautiful and haunting novel that launched David Almond as one of the best children's writers of today. Winner of the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread children's book of the Year Award.

Awards

Winner of Carnegie Medal 1998 (UK).

Reviews

' ... gripping, beautiful and brilliantly written ... Everyone is raving about this unforgettable book.' -- The Sunday Times 'Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination.' -- The Guardian 'A stunning debut ... An extraordinary book.' -- The Sunday Telegraph 'the most lyrical children's author now writing' -- The Guardian 'Truly original, mysterious and affecting ... Almond treads with delicate certainty, and the result is something genuine and true' -- Philip Pullman, The Guardian 'Tremendously innovative, highly original and very moving.' -- Melvin Burgess

Author description

David Almond is twice winner of the Whitbread Children's Book Award. His first novel, SKELLIG, won the Whitbread Children's Award and the Carnegie Medal and was made into a feature-length film on Sky1. His second, KIT'S WILDERNESS, won the Smarties Award Silver Medal, was Highly Commended for the Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for the Guardian Award. THE FIRE-EATERS won the Whitbread, the Smarties Gold Award and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and his most recent novel, CLAY, was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award, and the Carnegie Medal. David has also won the 2010 Hans Christian Andersen Award for his lasting contribution to children's literature and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative children's authors writing today. His books are bestsellers all over the world. He lives with his family in Northumberland. www.davidalmond.com